The Christmas market in Strasbourg is one of the oldest in France, dating to 1570.
Every year, the city transforms into a magical winter wonderland with wooden chalets and festive decorations.
Since moving to Strasbourg in 2019, I’ve made it a tradition to visit the Christmas market yearly. And, over the years, I’ve picked up a few valuable tips, like how to navigate crowds and where to find the best mulled wine.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about Strasbourg’s Christmas market so you can have the best experience possible.
Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking on a link (at no extra cost to you). Privacy Policy.
History and Theme
Strasbourg has been dubbed the Capital of Christmas (or Capitale de Noël) and for good reason.
The city has been hosting a Christmas market since 1570, making it one of the oldest in France.
Each year, it takes over the city center with over 300 stalls selling handmade crafts, local delicacies, and holiday decorations.
The market’s theme changes each year, and the decorations are carefully curated to reflect it.
Below is the list of themes for the last few years:
- 2021: The Star (L’Étoile)
- 2022: The Snowflake (Le Flocon)
- 2023: The Heart (Le Coeur)
- 2024: The Time to Marvel (Le Temps de S’Émerveiller)
Helpful Tip: When the 2025 theme is announced, I will post it here.
Key Highlights
The Markets
With hundreds of stalls spread throughout the city, it can be overwhelming trying to navigate them all.
In total, there are seven main markets. Each one has stands at a few locations and a specific theme.
Below are the markets, their locations, and what you can expect to find:
Helpful Tip: If you’re in Strasbourg for two days, I would recommend picking a few markets to explore in depth rather than trying to do it all.
Autour de la Cathédrale (Around the Cathedral)
- Place de la Cathédrale
- Place Gutenberg
- Place du Château
- Rue des Hallebardes
This is where you’ll find local artisans selling traditional foods, mulled wine, and handmade crafts.
Of the locations, Place de la Cathédrale is my favorite because this is where the first Christmas market in Strasbourg took place in 1570.
Au Pied du Grand Sapin
- Place Kléber
- L’Aubette
This is where you’ll find Strasbourg’s giant Christmas tree. Then, surrounding it are wooden chalets selling traditional Alsatian specialties like choucroute garnie.
L’Aubette is a small shopping center and a museum (Aubette 1928). There isn’t anything special about the shopping center itself this time of year.
But the museum (Aubette 1928) offers a bird’s eye view of Place Kléber and the Christmas tree. Plus, it’s one of the best free things to do in town.
Christkindelmarik
- Place Broglie
The Christmas market here at Place Broglie first appeared in 1870. Today, it specializes in traditional Alsatian foods like choucroute garnie, tarte flambée, pain d’épices, etc.
I, personally, prefer this market to the others. It’s less crowded and there’s more space between the stalls. So, if you want to grab a bite to eat, this is where I recommend you go.
Le Quai des Délices
- Terrasse Rohan
- Place du Marché-aux-Poissons
This Christmas market is 100% dedicated to food. There are savory dishes as well as sweet treats, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and much more. It’s also where you find the infamous carousel.
And at Place du Marché-aux-Poissons, there are often a few stalls doing wine tastings.
I recommend going on a Batorama Boat Tour, which starts at Place du Marché-aux-Poissons, and then stopping by for a wine tasting.
Le Marché du Carré d’Or
- Place du Temple Neuf
This is an artisanal market focused on small-scale producers. You can find everything from handmade jewelry to organic chocolates, all in a cozy atmosphere.
La Petite France
- Place Benjamin Zix
- Place Saint Thomas
There are two markets in La Petite France.
The first is Place Benjamin Zix. Here you’ll find stalls selling candles, ornaments, and other decorations for your home.
The second location, Place Saint Thomas, is centered on foods like crepes, waffles, hot chocolate, and other finger foods.
Les Irréductibles Petits Producteurs d’Alsace
- Square Louise Weiss
This market sells local products like artisanal jams and biodynamic wines from Alsace.
It’s a small area but worth stopping by, especially if you want to escape the crowds.
Marché Off
- Place Grimmeissen
In 2016, another market was added at Place Grimmeissen called Marché Off. The theme revolves around sustainability, with all products being organic.
It’s also a go-to spot for vegetarian and vegan food options.
Must-Visit Attractions
In addition to the markets above, there are a few attractions that you won’t want to miss this time of year.
Below is a list of my favorites:
- Strasbourg’s Christmas Tree: This iconic tree sits in the middle of Place Kléber and stands at 30 meters (98 feet). The decorations are aligned with the theme, so you’ll never see the same tree twice.
- Le Village de l’Avent: Next to the market at Square Louise Weiss is the Village de l’Avent. It’s geared towards kids with events and shows throughout the season.
- Rue Mercière: One of the most beautiful streets in Strasbourg, this is where you’ll have the best view of the Strasbourg Cathedral at Christmas time.
- Crepes et Gauffe (7 Rue du Maroquin): This restaurant boasts one of the most festive buildings in town. You might have seen photos from the Christmas market that show a teddy bear building. This is it.
- Giant Blue Tree: This giant blue tree is at Place Gutenberg, but it’s best to visit at night when it’s lit.
- Patisserie Christian: Another beautifully decorated building. Their pastries aren’t bad either, so after you take a photo, I recommend going inside to try some treats.
Food and Drinks
Alsace is known for its hearty traditional dishes.
Below are some of the best regional foods to try in Strasbourg this time of year:
- Choucroute garnie: This classic dish brings together the tangy flavors of sauerkraut with savory sausages, tender pork, and hearty potatoes.
- Bredele: These delightful, spiced cookies come in a variety of shapes and flavors and are reserved for the Christmas season.
- Vin chaud (mulled wine): This cozy, spiced beverage is the ultimate treat for chilly winter evenings. It’s made with red wine, sugar, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves.
- Tarte flambée: This thin, pizza-like delicacy is topped with a layer of crème fraîche, caramelized onions, flavorful lardons, and cheese.
- Kougelhopf: This classic Alsatian cake, made with raisins and almonds, can be enjoyed for dessert or breakfast.
- Baeckeoffe: A hearty, slow-cooked casserole featuring a blend of potatoes, onions, carrots, and three types of meat—beef, pork, and lamb. Rich and filling, this dish can only be found during the colder months.
- Pain d’épices: This sweet and spicy bread is often enjoyed during the holiday season. It’s made with honey and a blend of spices like cinnamon and ginger.
- Foie gras d’Oie: This unique foie gras stands apart from the traditional variety. It’s made from goose liver and available only in Alsace. For the best selection, check out Boutique Du Gourmet – Georges Bruck Foies Gras d’Alsace.
Shopping Tips
With so many stalls around Strasbourg, you might have a hard time deciding what to get.
Here are a few souvenirs and gifts that you won’t want to miss out on:
- Miniature Half-Timbered Houses: Alsace is known for its charming half-timbered houses. You can find miniature replicas of these iconic buildings at various stalls around Strasbourg.
- Ornaments: From handcrafted wooden ornaments to beautiful glass baubles, you’ll find a variety of Christmas-themed decorations.
- Christmas mugs: Every Christmas market brings a fresh, unique design for the mugs used to serve festive favorites like vin chaud and hot chocolate. I’ve collected a lot of fun designs over the years.
Helpful Tip: La Magie de Noël (1 Rue de l’Outre) sells anything and everything related to Christmas.
Practical Information
How to Get to Strasbourg
Getting to Strasbourg is straightforward. Its main train station is well-served and can be reached from many major European cities.
It’s also located in the city center and within walking distance of the Christmas market.
Helpful Tip: At Strasbourg’s main train station, you’ll also find several car rental companies, taxis, and trams (Lines A, C, and D).
If you are flying in, the nearest airports are Strasbourg Airport, EuroAirport, Frankfurt Airport, and Paris (CDG and Orly).
Each one has several options for getting to Strasbourg:
- Strasbourg Airport: It’s 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Strasbourg’s city center. You can rent a car or take the train (about 20 minutes).
- EuroAirport: Near St. Louis and Basel, Switzerland, this airport is 130 kilometers (80 miles) from Strasbourg. At the airport, you can rent a car or take the train (about 1 hour and 40 minutes).
- Frankfurt Airport: This airport is in Germany, but there are several options to get to Strasbourg. You can take the train, rent a car, or use the Lufthansa Express Bus.
- Paris Airports (CDG & Orly): Getting to Strasbourg from Paris is very easy. Direct trains run from CDG to Strasbourg’s main train station in about two hours. If you’re flying into Orly, you’ll first need to transfer to the Gare de l’Est and then take a train to Strasbourg.
Helpful Tip: The best place to buy your train tickets is SNCF-Connect.
Dates and Opening Hours
Dates for 2025: 26th of November to 24th of December
Helpful Tip: I will post the opening hours when they become available.
Where to Stay
Strasbourg can get very busy during the holiday season, which means finding a place to stay can be challenging.
Here are a few options that will guarantee an enjoyable trip:
- Hôtel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg – MGallery: This is my favorite hotel in Strasbourg, especially at Christmas time. Well-located yet hidden from the crowds, this property offers beautiful rooms and an attentive staff.
- Hôtel & Spa Le Bouclier D’or: Located in La Petite France, this hotel offers the perfect setting for a fairy-tale escape. With cozy rooms and a delectable breakfast, it promises a charming and memorable stay.
- Aloft Strasbourg Etoile: This is the top budget-friendly option in town. While it’s located outside the city center, my stay here was enjoyable. The staff were helpful, and the beds were comfy.
Where to Eat
Strasbourg is the city for foodies in Alsace. There is a lot of variety, and it’s hard to find a bad restaurant.
Below are my favorite places to eat in town:
- Binstub Broglie: This is hands down the best spot in town for tarte flambée. I’ve eaten here over a dozen times, and it has never disappointed me.
- Le Gurtlerhoft: This traditional Alsatian restaurant sits under the square in front of the Strasbourg Cathedral. And, to date, it’s the best choucroute garnie I’ve tried.
- La Cloche à Fromage: For the best fondue and raclette in Strasbourg, look no further. Cheese lovers will feel right at home here, but be sure to book your table in advance to secure your spot.
Insider Tips
Since moving to Strasbourg in 2019, I’ve learned a lot about navigating the Christmas markets.
Here are some insider tips to help you make the most out of your visit:
- Pick up a map of the Christmas market when you arrive. They are located at the tourist office, or you can scan the QR code on the billboards around town.
- Bring cash, as not all vendors accept credit and/or debit cards.
- Check out my list of recommended websites and apps to help make your planning easier.
- Taxis and cars are forbidden to enter the Christmas market during opening hours, and trams only stop at the outer edges. That means you’ll have to do plenty of walking, so wear comfortable shoes.
- There are designated entrances around the Christmas market where police officers will inspect your bags. It’s mandatory before entering.
- December can be cold and rainy in Strasbourg. Pack warm clothing, like hats, scarves, gloves, thermal layers, and an umbrella.
- Book accommodations early.
- I always make a reservation before dining out. With limited seating in most restaurants, it’s the best way to ensure you don’t miss out. You can call ahead, book online, or use an app like The Fork.
- If you plan to visit more than two museums, I recommend the museum day pass. It’s €16 instead of €7.50 for each museum.
- The best times to visit the markets and avoid the crowds are early to mid-morning or late evening on weekdays.
- You don’t have to be fluent in French to visit the Christmas market, but it’s always polite to start with a simple “Bonjour” when entering a shop or stall.
- Strasbourg gets busy in December, so make sure to follow my general safety guidelines.
Conclusion
Visiting Strasbourg during the holiday season is a magical experience.
The atmosphere is festive, and the decorations are beautiful. Add to that the comforting food and vin chaud, and you’ll see why I go every year.
Now it’s time to plan the rest of your trip. Why not check out the other Christmas markets in Alsace and put an itinerary together?
Read More Articles
I hope you enjoyed my post and found it helpful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.
- The Ultimate Kaysersberg Christmas Market Guide (2025)
- The Ultimate Sélestat Christmas Market Guide (2025)
